Contentment as a Spiritual Practice

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines being content as “feeling satisfied with one’s possessions, status, or situation.”  What if, as my spiritual director suggests, being content is the most faithful way to live?

For over a year, I have practiced being content.  In this world of “more,” it is counter-cultural to no longer buy into that way of living.  I realize that I am speaking from a place of privilege, where I do not have to worry about where my next meal is coming from, or how I’ll pay the electric or gas bills, and more than my basic needs are met.  I am speaking to those in similar situations.  It is a privilege, and another time we can talk about the inequities and injustices that having more than enough can cause.  For the purposes of today, I want to focus on the desire to want the next thing, to need more, to have the best/newest/brightest whatever. I want to focus on the mentality of “keeping up with the Joneses” instead of being content.

Christmas is coming, and wish lists are out.  Commercials want you to believe that getting a new car or a new diamond ring is what you should want.  Retailers fill your inbox with sales and gift ideas.  We want to give gifts to each other, to show love and appreciation.  For some people, that is very meaningful.  For others, it is just stuff.  Shopping is a joy to some, and an obligation to others.  When gifting becomes an obligation and there is no joy as we see the bank account dwindle, is it even worthwhile?  My privileged children do not need another Lego set, yet they each have several on their wish lists.  Both had a hard time coming up with anything they wanted this year, which I count as a win.  They are spoiled, yes, but somehow maybe I have been able to share this wonder of contentment with them.

Being content is about more than just stuff.  It is also about every aspect of your life.  I have spent much of my life working for the next achievement, or as a pastor, working towards the next Sunday.  I found it more and more difficult to be present as my mind was always focused on the future.  One day I realized that I had a hard time being, because I was always doing. 

These last three years of not working have given me space to reclaim being, and now I have been practicing contentment.  Not to brag, but I love my life.  I am saying no to things that bring chaos or unhappiness.  I spend more time alone.  I read, go for walks, and nap.  To some, my life might seem boring, but to me, my spiritual life is rich because I am practicing contentment. 

The result of contentment is peace.  My life is very peaceful.  Again, it is a privilege that I can choose to read the news or not (I cannot stomach watching it).  Our hearts were not meant to be inundated with the 24 hour news cycle.  I feel too much to be able to deal with all the pain all the time.  It is a privilege to choose what we let in to our lives.  I am very choosy with my time, and as an introvert, I am very content being alone.  I am also very aware that my time with my girls at home is ticking away.  I want to give them the best of me, which means I do not have much to share with others.  After years of giving myself away, this is a shift that brings me peace.  I do not resent putting those with whom I live first.  For right now, it is a joy and a privilege to be able to do so.   

The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13, NIV

I think the “secret” Paul refers to is that being content is a practice.  It does not always come to us naturally or easily.  It can take work to see abundance instead of scarcity.  To be able to claim “enough” instead of striving for the next thing.  Despite the busyness that is the upcoming holiday season, I wish you peace and contentment.  May you look around at least once during this month and realize that you are content with something exactly as it is.